Fertility Treatment Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Worsening

Last Updated: October 03, 2012.
Fertility treatment is associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis exacerbations, which is linked to the increase in reproductive hormones affecting immune function, according to a study published online Oct. 3 in the Annals of Neurology.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Fertility treatment is associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations, which is linked to the increase in reproductive hormones affecting immune function, according to a study published online Oct. 3 in the Annals of Neurology.

The researchers found that 75 percent of the MS patients had exacerbations after infertility treatment. ART correlated with a seven-fold higher risk of exacerbation and a nine-fold higher risk of enhanced disease activity on magnetic resonance imaging. Worsening correlated with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines known to be mediated through gonadotropin-releasing hormone. An ART-linked increase in 17-β estradiol was associated with elevated production of antibodies against a myelin protein as well as a B-cell activating factor and an anti-apoptotic molecule from B cells. Lastly, infertility treatment facilitated the migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells across the blood-brain barrier, mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

"Results indicate a significant increase in MS disease activity in patients receiving ART, a risk that neurologists should be aware of," Correale and colleagues conclude. "Reproductive hormones appear to exert an important role in regulating immune responses during the course of autoimmune diseases."